| This month, we had the pleasure of catching up with the McClung family to learn about Harper and their family's experiences navigating her hearing loss diagnosis.
Harper, who is 4 years old, was born with Coffin-Siris Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that can lead to hearing loss. She has a bilateral moderate to severe sensorineural hearing loss, uses hearing aids, and communicates using American Sign Language (ASL).
Harper’s mother, Cadey, has been working with BEGINNINGS and their Parent Educator, Toni Malone. “Toni is absolutely wonderful and has assisted our family in countless ways,” Cadey shared. “From helping us navigate our first IEP to finding ASL resources, or just being a shoulder to cry on when we needed one.”
Cadey highlighted how transformative Toni’s support has been. “I had so much fear and anxiety about navigating the school system, participating in IEP meetings, and advocating for services,” Cadey said. “Having a Parent Educator and advocate like Toni to answer my questions, guide me, and encourage me through the process has been invaluable.”
At just 4 years old, Harper is making impressive strides every day. The McClung family is continually discovering her remarkable abilities. Cadey strongly recommends connecting with a BEGINNINGS Parent Educator as soon as a child receives a hearing loss diagnosis. The support from BEGINNINGS has provided the McClung family with essential resources and encouragement.
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Harper is the first and only member of their family with hearing loss, and initially the family was concerned about their ability to fully communicate. However, Harper showed a natural affinity for sign language and she quickly embraced learning new signs and incorporating them into her daily routine. Inspired by Harper’s progress, the McClung family decided to learn sign language as well, and Harper’s language acquisition has flourished since then.
“I am so proud of Harper for learning to communicate with her family and peers through sign language,” Cadey said. “We are thrilled every time she learns new words and phrases and uses them spontaneously. We are incredibly proud of her!”
Cadey also shared some advice for families who have recently received a Deaf or Hard of Hearing diagnosis. “Love, accept, and encourage your child. They will surprise you in ways you could never imagine. While receiving a diagnosis may initially feel limiting, our family has found it to be just the opposite. It opens up a whole new, beautiful world, and you’ll be amazed at what your child can achieve!”
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Upcoming Community Connections Events |
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🦪🔥 Join Us for Our 5th Annual Oyster Roast & BBQ Benefiting BEGINNINGS! 🔥🦪
We’re thrilled to invite you to our 5th Annual Oyster Roast & BBQ, a deliciously fun event dedicated to supporting BEGINNINGS. Come enjoy a fantastic afternoon filled with mouthwatering oysters, BBQ, and great company—all while supporting a worthy cause!
📅 Date: Sunday, November 17, 2024
🕒 Time:3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
📍 Location: North Hills Club, 4824 Yadkin Drive, Raleigh, 27609
All proceeds from this event will go towards our mission of providing vital resources and support to families of children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing across the state of North Carolina. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a difference and have a blast!
Let’s come together for a fantastic afternoon of food, fun, and philanthropy. See you there!
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Telehealth Guidance and Resources for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Patients |
As the use of telehealth services continues to grow, it is essential to address the unique communication needs and necessary accommodations of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) communities during virtual healthcare visits.
To bridge this gap, the North Carolina Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DSDHH) has developed a comprehensive resource center designed to equip DHH patients, healthcare providers, and American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters with the tools and information needed for successful telehealth appointments.
This resource center offers practical guidance on:
- Communication Accommodations: Ensuring that you have access to appropriate communication methods, such as video relay services (VRS), real-time captioning, or ASL interpreters.
- Technology Tips: Providing recommendations on equipment, software, and best practices to enhance the telehealth experience for both you and your provider.
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Legal Rights and Responsibilities: Clarifying the obligations of your providers to offer accessible services, and informing you of your rights to request necessary accommodations.
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Interpreter Resources: Offering support to ASL interpreters, ensuring they are prepared to effectively facilitate communication during telehealth sessions.
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| Preparing for the New School Year: Advocacy and IEP Resources |
As the new school year approaches, parents of children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing often find themselves navigating the complexities of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). An IEP is a personalized plan that outlines specific goals, accommodations, and services designed to meet the unique educational needs of students with disabilities. Understanding how to effectively use an IEP is essential for ensuring a successful school year for your child.
It's important to recognize that hearing loss alone does not automatically qualify a child for special education services. Eligibility is determined based on whether the hearing loss creates an educational need that requires specially designed instruction. A multidisciplinary team evaluates the child to make this determination.
Parents play a critical role in advocating for their child’s education. Effective advocacy involves being proactive, informed, and actively engaged in the IEP process. Understanding your rights under laws like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), maintaining open communication with educators and IEP team members, and keeping detailed records of all interactions and decisions are key steps in ensuring that your child receives the support they need.
While navigating the IEP process can be challenging, remember that you are not alone. BEGINNINGS offers guidance and support through every step of the journey. By staying informed and prepared, you can help create a positive and inclusive educational environment where your child can thrive both academically and socially.
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| Hispanic Federation’s New Health Helpline, NC Salud |
The Hispanic Federation (HF) has announced the launch of a new health helpline, NC Salud, to help the Spanish-speaking community in North Carolina access information about health coverage.
This vital service is available to provide accessible, reliable, and culturally sensitive information and support to individuals and families who speak Spanish and want to learn more about Medicaid in North Carolina and the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
📞 Call the hotline: 1-844-438-6827
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All HF representatives are bilingual and ready to assist with a wide range of services, including:
- Bilingual assistance for all questions related to NC Medicaid or the ACA.
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General information on how to qualify for NC Medicaid.
- Referrals for applications: Referrals to bilingual individuals who can help you complete a Medicaid or ACA application.
- Information on low-cost medical services available in the caller's county of residence.
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Our Asheville Community Connections event on August 11th was a great success, and we could not have done it without you! From the fabulous live music, children’s activities, delicious food, drinks and ice cream, it was an amazing experience and an event to remember.
We extend a heartfelt thank you to all our attendees, including families, professionals and community members. Your support and collaboration means so much to BEGINNINGS and helps bring our community together.
BEGINNINGS is very grateful to the incredible sponsors who made our Community Connections Asheville event a resounding success.
Gallaudet University: As a leading institution for Deaf and Hard of Hearing education, Gallaudet University not only supports accessible learning but also added a delightful touch to our event by sponsoring our event, including sweet treats from Sunshine Sammies, bringing a little extra joy to our attendees.
Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB): AIDB’s sponsorship reflects their unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of those in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community nation wide.
AIM Advisors: Thank you to AIM Advisors for their dedication to fostering connections and providing valuable resources that empower individuals and families.
AB Tech Community College: We appreciate AB Tech Community College for their support in promoting education and inclusivity in our community.
First Citizens Bank: Their sponsorship has helped us bring our community together, demonstrating their commitment to social responsibility and community development.
Highland Brewing Company: We’re grateful for Highland Brewing Company’s contribution, which added a special touch to our event, bringing people together to celebrate in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.
Luella’s Bar-B-Que: We enjoyed delicious food compliments of Luella’s Bar-B-Que with craveable Southern flavors and hospitality.
Asheville Museum of Science: A special thanks to the Asheville Museum of Science for inspiring curiosity and learning, and for helping make our event engaging and family-friendly.
We are incredibly grateful to each of these sponsors for their generosity and shared vision. Together, we are making a positive impact on the lives of Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals and their families in North Carolina. Thank you for your continued support!
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Behind the Scenes with BEGINNINGS |
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Diane Doak
Executive Director
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It is back to school time! I love the fall and the beginning of a new academic year. We catch up with old friends, meet new people and, of course, complete your first assignment of the year: “What did you do on your summer vacation?” While many families travel or simply relax during summer, the Parent Educators at BEGINNINGS were busy learning how to empower parents to become better advocates.
Our Hispanic Outreach Parent Educators Gheydis and Wilma attended the Poder y Esperanza Educational conference in Charlotte with families of children with many different abilities to learn more about the systems that are in place to help their children overcome barriers. Parent Educator Joan attended a week-long American Deafness and Rehabilitation Association (ADARA) conference to learn more about Vocational rehab and Behavioral Health and the importance of communication access for everyone! Parent educator Wilma was invited to participate in the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) Leadership Academy. This week-long training was designed to help individuals in the disability community develop leadership skills and make connections to be able to make changes in the communities they serve. Parent Educator Erin attended The CARE Project Family FunDay. Parents were able to share the story of their journey while their children played games and had their faces painted!
All the Parent Educators learned about the Sunflower Card program. Individuals with hidden disabilities can carry a sunflower card that lets others know that you may need some more time or assistance with communications. Some of the businesses that support this program are the 3 largest airports in North Carolina. With this program individuals and families can travel knowing that from the terminal, through the flight and at their destination they will receive the support they need.
This was an exciting summer at BEGINNINGS! But we are more excited to empower parents to be even better advocates for their children in the upcoming new year. If you live in North Carolina and need assistance with an upcoming school meeting, contact us. Our Parent Educators are waiting to hear from you.
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Have a topic you'd like to see in an upcoming newsletter? Let us know! Send an email to marketing@ncbegin.org on any information you'd like us to feature in a future edition.
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